IMHO, that removeable hardtop is way better looking than the FHC.
Nomex suit on…
Kevin,
This hardtop looks like a Plasticon (from Pasadena, California) and could be purchased for $198 in 1958… Times (and prices) have changed though. Photo kindly provided by Knight Martorell.
Bob K.
Hello Kevin, Over the past 35 years I’ve had a few XK120 hardtops of different manufacturers but have never gone through with restoring one, mostly because many of the ones I had were ugly ! I bought them thinking that I’d get a fiberglass specialist to severly modify one to make it more aesthetically palatable. Finally, 2 years ago I found and bought a Plasticon, which Bob Knijnenburg helped me to identify. Bob and I recently connected this year and combined our files on these oddities. I never thought I’d come across another lunatic as passionate about these hardtops as I am. Bob might have me beat since his research is quite impressive and extensive !!
You’re quite lucky to have found a hardtop by one of the companies that made what I’d consider to have very attractive lines. My Plasticon WILL definitely be restored, which I could never say with any conviction about the previous four !
My top had what looks like a thin, tan canvas glued to it. I plan to use a modern type of headliner material which is fabric bonded to a thin foam rubber, and is goued in place. The front fasteners on these tops were not at all substantial enough to trust going down the road, so most that I’ve seen restored have significantly modified front clips.
I think we should start an “XK Hardtop Club” ! I nominate Bob for president ! :-))
I have often wondered if I just like these hardtops because they are an unusual period, aftermarket, accessory or if I would actually find much use with one. Recently, I drove to and back to Atlanta from my home in Highlands, NC in 95 degree weather, at 75mph on the interstate for 2 and half hours each way. If there was ever a time I’d wished for a hardtop, it was then ! At 75, the soft top flaps noisily agains the middle top bow. Not all that bad, but after a couple of hours, it gets fatiguing. The sun was beating me up. A hardtop with the curtains off and ventilation would have been much better, and I wouldn’t have looked like a lobster the next day ! Cheers and stay well.
I wasn’t sure about using the hard top until I found the photos of the car with the pastel blue metallic on it , that photo sold me , I think having too choices will be fun . Today’s car show soft top tomorrow’s car show hard top. If anyone would like to send info about hard tops please send it to my gmail kevinjcarlaw@gmail.com
And yes starting a hard top club sounds like fun I would be up for that.
Kevin
Kevin,
Bob & I both have been collecting photos for years, some not very attractive, however I have photos of a few restored cars with hardtops that are positively gorgeous and will convince you even more . In particular, there is another silver-blue that looks very similar to your photos but is a different car. A stunning black 120 went through auction last year or so with a black Guy Broad top, and then there was a cream roadster in Germany that was for sale by a dealer about 3 years ago. The cream car was so nice I contacted the dealer and asked to pay for additional photos with detail shots. They kindly accepted my offer. I’ll send you a couple this evening or tomorrow. Cheers, and stay well, Knight
PS - Kevin, I believe the cream roadster in Germany has the same top as your since the rear window looks identical, and it also has the top, center “dart” contour from the windshield center, as yours does.
I am a long way from finishing the body , just had to see the pastel color on something after 5 spray out cards final picked this variant.
Kevin
1 Like
Nice color, and always a huge relief to see something painted.
Gorgeous, Kevin. Nice work.
So,…shall I crate up my hardtop and send it out to you tomorrow. :-))))
Happy Holidays, Knight
Hi Brad,welcome to Jag Lovers and yes the top is a scottop.i must say it’s so nice to see a photo of a finish car, some day I will be there, with lots and lots of more days of work.
Kevin
Hi Kevin
Here is another example : I think mine is a Plasticon. Details if you wish.
Good luck with your restoration.
Best regards
Francis
A not unpleasing design, IMO. I think the contrasting colour suits it well.